By Brendan Rees
A Clyde pharmacist and her husband are united in tackling the gruelling Kokoda trail in July to raise money for the Ovarian Cancer Australia.
Carolyn Wynen of Narre Warren South will join her husband Paul and a group of pharmacists and support members from around the country in taking on the mammoth task of hiking the 96km track over eight days.
The group of 12 trekkers have been training for about 18 weeks, following a stringent fitness guide needed for the challenging trek which is known for its steep and muddy terrain as well as reaching heights of up to 2,490 metres.
Ms Wynen, who is the co-proprietor of TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacy in Clyde, said her team had raised $4,000.
The trekkers have also raised $14,451.55 through an online fundraiser with every dollar going towards OCA.
Three weeks out from the trek, Ms Wyen says she was feeling nervous but excited and keen to “see just how tough ‘bloody tough’ is.”
“I have been combining cardio and strength training sessions with a weekly Pilate’s session along with increasing sets of 100 squats, step-ups and sit-ups,” she said.
“We have also been incorporating a weekly pack hike that has ranged from two to six hours on trails such as 1000 steps to Olinda, Glasgow track on Mt Dandenong and Mt Donna Buang.”
TerryWhite Chemmart in Clyde has hosted the ‘Morning High Teal’ for 100 guests each February to raise funds and awareness for OCA.
“Sadly, by the time most women receive a diagnosis, the cancer has progressed too far and the survival rate is very low,” Ms Wyen said.
“We really want to ensure women are aware of the signs and symptoms they should look for and encourage them to get help as early as possible.”
Anyone wishing to do donate can visit: https://give.everydayhero.com/au/twcmtrekforteal .
